Newcastle Council is seeking input into a five-year strategy aimed at growing the city’s visitor and night-time economies.
The City Vibrancy Strategy will consolidate City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Night-Time Economy Strategy and Events Plan into a single framework.
It will also provide a roadmap to bolster business growth in the city, and unlock new opportunities for investment, business and job creation.
The five-year framework will also look to strengthen the city’s night-time economy, and investigate the feasibility of one or more Special Entertainment Precincts, including Midtown, to encourage a range of 24-hour activity in Newcastle
Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said council was keen to capitalise on Newcastle’s growing reputation as an appealing events and tourism destination.
“Newcastle has become a city that delivers the complete package, from its breathtaking beaches and thriving cultural scene to its outstanding hospitality, major events calendar and experiences that continue well into the evening,” Cr Morris said.
“We’re seeing increased investment attraction across a range of sectors, more visitors choosing to stay longer, travel for major events and spending more whilst enjoying everything Newcastle has to offer. That presents a significant opportunity for our local economy and businesses.
“This strategy is about making sure we harness that momentum. We want to grow visitation, encourage investment, create jobs and continue building a city that’s vibrant every day of the week and at all hours of the day.”
The strategy will look at ways to strengthen Newcastle’s reputation as a premium leisure destination, and widen the city’s appeal to international markets, following the expansion of Newcastle Airport.
It will also review council’s approach to securing and facilitation major events, assess the use of council-owned venues and public spaces, and identify opportunities for event growth, with a view to increasing overnight visitation.
Chair of council’s Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee, Councillor Declan Clausen, said that, in an increasingly diversified Newcastle, major events were a key economic and tourism driver.
“The calibre of events Newcastle is attracting today would have been difficult to imagine a decade ago. From international concerts to world-class sporting events, we’re proving that Newcastle can compete on the national and global stage,” Cr Clausen said.
“These events don’t just fill venues, they fill our hotels, restaurants, cafés and local businesses while showcasing everything Newcastle has to offer to new audiences.’
“We’ve built incredible momentum over recent years and now is the time to think strategically about how we build on that success, working alongside industry and all levels of government to maximise every opportunity.”
It comes after The Night-Time Economy 2026 Report, released this week by the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors, found the sector generated turnover of $2.3 billion in Newcastle in 2025, and accounted for 13,600 jobs across 1027 businesses.
Councillor Paige Johnson said Special Entertainment Precincts could create economic opportunities while supporting Newcastle’s nightlife.
“Following the Council resolution about exploring a Special Entertainment Precinct for Midtown Newcastle, the Strategy will be informed by community engagement and consultation on how SEPs could support live music, hospitality, arts and culture, while meeting the needs of residents, businesses and visitors,” Cr Johnson said.
